Mechanize retrieval tool with camera

Abstract

A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising: (a) an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; (b) a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, said clamping mechanism also comprising at least one actuating member connected to said jaws and at least partially disposed in said body; (c) an actuator laterally offset from said axis and beside said at least one actuating member, said actuator operatively connected to said at least one actuating member to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions; and (d) at least one camera disposed proximate said motor and offset from said axis, said at least one camera having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising:
 an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; 
 a connector disposed at said rear, said connector being configured for connection to at least one cable; 
 a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, said clamping mechanism also comprising at least one actuating member connected to said jaws and at least partially disposed in said body; 
 a motor laterally offset from said longitudinal axis and beside said at least one actuating member, said motor operatively connected to said at least one actuating member to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions, said motor being disposed in said body; 
 at least one camera disposed proximate said motor and offset from said longitudinal axis, said at least one camera having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws; 
 at least one light disposed proximate said at least one camera and configured to illuminate said field of view; and 
 an operator's control for at least controlling said motor, said operator's control being discrete and remote from said body. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said jaws define a pivot axis, and said camera is aligned with said pivot axis. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one camera is configured with a field of view to include at least one of said jaws when in said closed position or space in front of said jaws. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein said field of view comprises both said jaws when in said closed position and said space in front of said jaws. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one camera comprises a first camera and a second camera, said first camera having a field of view of said jaws when in said closed position, and said second camera having a field of view of space in front of said jaws. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one camera has an actuatable lens mechanism to provide at least first and second fields of view, said first field of view of said jaws when in said closed position, and said second field of view of space in front of said jaws. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6 , wherein said jaws define a pivot axis, said pivot axis being essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said jaws comprise a releasable interface configured to releasably engage one of a set of jaw attachments. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein said set of jaw attachments comprises at least one of a cup attachment, a magnet attachment, a noose attachment, thin jaws, wide jaws, curved jaws, straight jaws, or tines. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said actuating member comprises a scissor mechanism. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said jaws are configured to rotate around said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising said cable connected to said connector. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a handle attached to said cable to facilitate rotating said cable to thereby rotate said body. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cable comprises a mechanical cable for maneuvering said body, and an electrical cable for providing at least power to said motor and said camera. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 14 , wherein said mechanical cable is discrete from said electrical cable. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said operator's control comprises a switch for controlling actuation of said jaws and a display for displaying said field of view. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 16 , wherein said switch and said display are disposed in a unitary control device. 
     
     
       18. A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising:
 a mechanical cable; 
 an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; 
 a connector at said rear for connecting to said mechanical cable to enable said mechanical cable to maneuver said body within said confined space; 
 a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, at least a portion of said clamping mechanism being disposed in said body; 
 a motor to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions, said motor being within said body; 
 at least one camera operatively connected body and having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws; and 
 at least one light operatively connected body and configured to illuminate said field of view. 
 
     
     
       19. The device of  claim 18 , further comprising an electrical cable connected to said rear end. 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 19 , wherein said mechanical cable is discrete from said electrical cable. 
     
     
       21. The device of  claim 18 , wherein said jaws define a pivot axis and said camera his aligned with said pivot axis. 
     
     
       22. The device of  claim 18 , wherein said jaws are configured to rotate around said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       23. The device of  claim 18 , further comprising an operator's control for at least controlling said motor, said operator's control being discrete and remote from said body.